EMF and how it's related to Potential Difference

In summary, Kirchoff's Loop law states that the sum of all potential differences encountered while moving around a closed path is zero, which can be seen as a statement of energy conservation. The TYPED solution relates all voltages in the circuit to zero, and ΔV1 and ΔV2 are negative because moving clockwise from the bottom left corner means traveling up while passing the battery and down across the capacitors. This also implies that the EMF is equal to the sum of ΔV, as the potential difference of the circuit comes from the EMF. Going clockwise from the top, the potential drops by the voltage over C1 and then by the voltage over C2, and then goes up by ##\varepsilon##
  • #1
guyvsdcsniper
264
37
Homework Statement
What is capicitance C2?
Relevant Equations
C=Q/V
So Kirchoff's Loop law states that, The sum of all the potential differences encountered while moving around a loop or closed path is zero.
Ok so that is basically a statement of energy conservation. So I see why in the TYPED solution, they related all voltages in the circuit equal to zero. I don't understand why ΔV1 and ΔV2 are negative. Is it because moving clockwise from the bottom left corner means you are traveling up while passing the battery and down across the capacitors?

And that would imply the EMF is equal to the sum of ΔV? Is that because without the Potential Difference of the circuit comes from the EMF?

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  • #2
quittingthecult said:
I don't understand why ΔV1 and ΔV2 are negative
Going clockwise from the top, the potential drops by the voltage over C1 and then by the voltage over C2. Then it goes up by ##\varepsilon##.
 

FAQ: EMF and how it's related to Potential Difference

What is EMF?

EMF stands for electromotive force and refers to the potential difference or voltage created by an electric source, such as a battery or generator. It is the force that drives the flow of electric current through a circuit.

How is EMF related to potential difference?

EMF and potential difference are closely related as they both measure the difference in electric potential between two points. In fact, EMF is often used interchangeably with potential difference, although technically EMF refers to the total energy supplied by the source while potential difference refers to the energy per unit charge.

What units are used to measure EMF and potential difference?

EMF and potential difference are both measured in volts (V). Other common units include millivolts (mV) and kilovolts (kV).

How does EMF affect the flow of electric current?

EMF is responsible for creating a potential difference in a circuit, which in turn drives the flow of electric current. The higher the EMF, the greater the potential difference and the stronger the current flow.

What factors can affect the EMF in a circuit?

The strength of EMF in a circuit can be affected by several factors, including the type of electric source, the materials used in the circuit, and the temperature. Additionally, the presence of other components such as resistors or capacitors can also impact the EMF in a circuit.

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